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high risk – is there a lag between symptoms and seroconversion? – how conclusive is the 6-wk test if high risk? – what is the duration of acute hiv rash?
Dear Dr. HHH. I had a v high risk unprotected sexual encounter (found out girl was HIV positive AFTER the encounter). Developed sore throat a week later. Sore throat last 4 weeks. About a 2 weeks after encounter also started to develop a mild rash. Rash has continued to become worse (predominantly on face). Rash started on arms - now v bad raised rash on face (mainly look like pimples, but a few red 5-10mm spots on each cheek), mild/sporadic rash on arms and back (reddish flat blobs), chest has a different sort of rash - powdery/tiny pimple rash, trunk extremities have a few dispersed flat red 5-10mm roundish spots. I am extremely distressed / depressed / worried - at breaking point! Have had 3 hiv tests - 2 rapid tests and 1 elisa. Had the elisa at the 6-wk mark and it came back negative. Now in my 9th week after the encounter. My questions are: 1) is the 6-wk elisa test conclusive - i.e. do i need to test again? (my doc and this forum both say no – just want to confirm) 2) what is the duration of a normal acute hiv rash? 3) Given that the onset of the rash was at least 2 weeks before my 6-wk elisa test, if it was in fact a symptom of seroconversion, should this have shown up in the test? - i.e. how long after symptoms show will an hiv test pick up antibodies (i.e. seroconversion occurs)? The reason for my confusion is that most info suggests symptoms show up bw 2-6 weeks, yet those same sites suggest a test needs to be done at 3 months? That only makes sense if there is a documented and potentially long lag bw symptoms showing and seroconversion occurring. From all my research (and i've done a HEAP), you appear to have the most credible responses, so could you please help me out. I'm losing my mind over this! Thank you v v much!!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
At 9 weeks the test would detect over 99% of infections acquired 9 weeks earlier. The rapid test is sufficiently sensitve to count upon. EWH
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I am confident that you did not get HIV from the encounter you describe. Taking your statement that the woman have HIV at face value (which may or may not be the right thing to do), your risk of getting HIV from a single exposure is less than 1 in 1000 exposures. But then you got the symptoms you have experienced and I understand how they might concern you. I hope the facts presented below will help:
1. the rash of ARS is typically not present for more than a few days. That your rash has lasted so long makes it unlikely that you have ARS.
2. The ARS is usually due to the interaction of the virus with the immune system at the time the antibody response is developing. In the majority of cases the antibody test becomes positive in less than two weeks following the appearance of ARS symptoms, thus your tests should provide you with great confidence that you did not get HIV from this exposure as well.
3. The reason for the 3 month recommendation is conservatism and that no one wants to be wrong. Thus, if indeed your partner did have HIV (unless she told you, I am doubtful) I too would suggest the 3 month test to be sure but at the same time I would say AT THIS TIME given the circumstances you describe the chances you have HIV are close to zero.
Hope this helps. EWH
1. the rash of ARS is typically not present for more than a few days. That your rash has lasted so long makes it unlikely that you have ARS.
2. The ARS is usually due to the interaction of the virus with the immune system at the time the antibody response is developing. In the majority of cases the antibody test becomes positive in less than two weeks following the appearance of ARS symptoms, thus your tests should provide you with great confidence that you did not get HIV from this exposure as well.
3. The reason for the 3 month recommendation is conservatism and that no one wants to be wrong. Thus, if indeed your partner did have HIV (unless she told you, I am doubtful) I too would suggest the 3 month test to be sure but at the same time I would say AT THIS TIME given the circumstances you describe the chances you have HIV are close to zero.
Hope this helps. EWH
My girl friend of 1 year found out she was hiv + about 3 months ago our last unprotected encounter was about 3 months ago I got tested in jan and was neg and we had unprotected sex about 10 times prior to my testing, what's the chances I stay negative anxiety is killing me please help
Thank you very much for helping me out! Please do pray for me!
Thank you v much - that's all v helpful! The reason i know the girl has HIV is because 3 weeks into the sore throat i asked the girl to get a HIV test. Rapid test revealed she was HIV positive. One last question - it is now 9 wks - if I get another Rapid test done tomorrow, will that be conclusive? Is the Rapid test sensitive enough or do I need to get another Elisa done?
how did you find out she was positive?
Doc, i should add - About 2 weeks ago I also went to a dermatologist because the rash on my face was starting to get visibly worse. He has put me on Dalacin T Topical Lotion, but I've not seen any improvement; and charged me the world which i find difficult to afford so haven't gone back. If anything, the rash on my face has spread. Not itchy on the face, but itchy in spots from time to time on my tummy / arms. The red spots dont itch so much as the dispersed pimples on my arms, neck, back, stomach (only 1-2) and trunk extremeties (1-2). Chest prickles from time to time. Also feels like I have a rash on my head and ears - possible? All driving me NUTS!
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